Overload release for refuse compactor



Feb. 18, 1958 E. A. scHoNRocK ovERLoAD RELEASE RoR REFUSE coMPAcToR 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 5, 1955 oonoooouo INVENTOR.

E E E am Edwin A. Schonrock .Feb. 18, 1958 E. A. scHoNRocK ovERLoAD RELEASE FOR REFUSE coMPAcT'oR 2 Sheets-Sheet Filed Nov. 3, 1955 @maman vh NV VW Oh.

Edwin A.. Scanrack 4` INVEN TOR. BY @u m. Mm

United States Pate-af o 2,823,814 OVERLOAD RELEASE FUR REFUSE COMPACTOR Edwin A. Schonrock, San Angelo, Tex. Application November 3, 1955, Serial No. 544,637

15 Claims. (Cl. 214-82) This invention comprises novel and useful improvements in an overload release for refuse compactors Iand more specifically relates to a construction which may be employed as a safety device to prevent breakage in the driving means such as the driving chains of refuse compacting lstructures such as are employed in garbage or trash trucks or the like.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a construction which may be either originally built into or subsequently applied to conventional types of refuse Compactors for garbage and other trucks whereby the campacting device will be protected against breakage in the event of a predetermined overload being applied thereto, to thereby improve the operation of and reduce the cost of repairs of such devices.

A very important object of this invention is to provide au overload release connection whereby a reciprocating refuse compacting blade may be connected to Ia chain or other driving means in an improved manner.

Another object of the invention is to provide an overload release device in accordance with the preceding object which may be readily utilized as a component of conventional refuse Compactors for trash or garbage trucks and the like in the manufacture of the same, with a minimum of alteration in the assembly.

A further object of the invention is to provide an overload release mechanism in accordance with the foregoing objects which will improve the operation of the refuse compacting assembly in order to thereby decrease the skill and the time required of the operator for compacting material in a truck body or the like; will enable the` material to be stored and compacted to a predetermined degree and compression pressure with much greater accuracy and facility.

A further object of the invention is to provide an overload release mechanism in accordance with the above mentioned objects which will not interfere with the continuing backward and forward travel of the driving chain of the compacter blade, but will permit disengagement of the driving connection between the blade and the chain when a predetermined overload has been applied to the blade, and yet will in no way interfere with the retraction of the blade upon reverse movement of the chain or other blade driving means.

A still further important object of the invention is to poovide an overload release mechanism as set forth in the foregoing objects wherein the wear upon the chain will be reduced by the establishing of a new connection between the 4blade and the driving chain at different positions thereon during subsequent release of the blade from the chain upon overloads.

Still other very important objects are to provide an overload release mechanism in compliance with the pre ceding objects wherein a conventional magnetic brake may be utilized; and wherein a mechanical advantage may be secured between the brake and a blade driving chain to permit the use of a smaller brake.

And Ia iinal important object of the invention to be specifically enumerated herein resides in the provision of an -overload release device in accordance with the preceding objects which may be readily incorporated into rice Ithe driving mechanism of the drive chain of the compacting device whereby conventional compacting mechanisms may be adapted economically to attain the objects and purposes of this invention.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part. hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view, parts being broken away and shown in vertical section, showing a conventional type of trash or garbage truck having a refuse compacting mechanism associated therewith, and to which the principles of this invention have been applied;

Figure 2 is a perspective View of the compacting blade, parts being broken away, showing the manner in which the overload release device of this invention is associated with such blade and with the blade driving chain;

Figure 3 is a detail view in vertical transverse section across a portion of the lower portion of the compacting blade as viewed from the left side of Figure 2, and showing in particular the manner in which the driving chain and the overload release device are associated with the blade;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary detail View showing in vertical longitudinal section further details of the manner in which the driving chain is associated with the overload release device and with the compacting blade;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary View in vertical longitudinal section, parts being shown in elevation, and showing a modified construction for applying the overload release device to a refuse compacting assembly; and

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 3 but showing a preferred modification affording a mechanical advantage between the friction brake and the blade driving chain.

In the accompanying drawings, reference is made first to the embodiment disclosed in Figures l-4 wherein the principles of the invention are shown applied to a trash or refuse truck indicated generally by the numeral 10 and which as illustrated may consist of a trailer detachably coupled as by a fifth wheel assembly 12 to the rear portion of a tractor vehicle indicated generally by the numeral 14. Conveniently, the trailer includes a substantially cylindrical refuse receiving body 16 which is generally circular `in cross section, and which at its forward end is provided with an opening 18 in its upper portion for loading material into the body. In the conventional type of refuse truck illustrated, there is provided a material compacter 20, which as shown best in Figure 2, consists of a circular plate which is disposed within the body 16 in a vertically inclined position and substantially ills the cross sectional area of the body. This compactor is adapted to be reciprocated longitudinally of the body in order to compress or compac material towards the closed rear end of the body, from whence material is ultimately discharged or unloaded.

A power plant ydesignated generally by the numeral 22 is mounted upon the front portion of the trailer and by suitable control means indicated at 24 is adapted to impart reciprocating travel to the compacter blade longitudinally of the body.

In the conventional trash or refuse truck illustrated, there is provided a means for reciprocating the compactor blade 20, this means comprising a chain 26. The latter is entrained over suitable support members in the form of sprocket gears 2S and is `disposed with its upper flight 30 lying upon or closely adjacent to the bottom wall of the body 16. This upper flight extends entirely through the body from the front wall 32` thereof to the back wall, and emerging from the latter may extend through a suitable guide housing 34. A driving sprocket `3,6 is connected with the chain 2.6 .and is .driren from the power and speed control means 24.

It will now be understood that by use of the control means 24, ,reversing rotation may be imparted .to -tbe chain, whereby the upper flight `of the same may be ref ciprocated upon the bedof the .truck body. By .-a mechanism to be now described, the compactor tblade is connected to the upper tlight of .the chain `whereby the compactor will ybe reciprocated longitudinally .of the body between the position shown in Figure l to a position at the extreme right hand end Aof ythe body. As the refuse or material :within the bpdy is successively compressed in the right hand end of :the same, it is `obvious :that the reciprocating travel of the compactor blade and of .the upper flight `of the chain will necessarily be reduced.

'Heretofore it has been very diticult to accurately control :the operation .of `the :blade .and yet secure -the desired compression of .the material in .the body. *Frefluently the `operator has failed in 'his judgment, and either reversed the travel of the chain and compactor blade too soon, ,thereby failing to give the 4desired cornpression 4to the .material in the body; or has waited too long before rsuch reversal of travel, result-ing Yin placing undue strain upon ,the compactor blade and chain, and frequently causing breakage of the chain.

By ,the present invention, a `connectidn is provided between the compactor blade and chain which will eliminate the `above disadvantages, .and will .enable the blade to make its complete stroke and secure the de.- sited compression ofthe material in the body since .there is no danger of an overload `being applied 4by .the blade to the chain with resultant breakage of any .ofthe parts.

Referring now kmore particularly to Figures 2.-.4 it will be seen that the compactor blade 20 yincludes upon what may be termed its rear face a pair Jof vertical webs or ribs 38 provided with suitable cross or bracing webs 4i). Between the two webs 38 there is secured a transverse shaft or Yaxle 42 which is held stationary as by a key Y44. lreely rotatably journaled upon the shaft 42 is the hub 46 of a sprocket gear 48. This sprocket `gear is continuously in mesh with the upper flight of the sprocket chain 26. A pair of hold-down or guide sprockets 50 and 52, each freely rotatable upon axles 54 which are carried by the above mentioned webs 38 are also provided, whereby, as shown in Figures 2 and'4, the'guide pulleys will hold the upper -liight 30 into circumferential contact with the upper .por-tion ofthe sprocket gear 48. It will be observed that the lower portion of the compactor blade 20 is provided vwith an upwardly extending notch or slot 56 through which the upper flight may pass.

Fixedly secured upon the stationary shaft 42 as by a `set screw 58 is the hub 60 of an overload release coupling 62 which cooperates with a laterally extending drum or shoe, not shown, of the sprocket gear 48. The coupling 62 may be of any desired type and construetion which is capable of having an adjustable frictional gripping action upon the sprocket gear. Thus, the member 62 may conveniently consist of an overload release coupling such as a friction brake or a magnetic brake, of various types now available upon the open market.

By the construction so far described, it will now be apparent that the compactor blade is connected to the sprocket chain by an overload release coupling or connection so that the blade is secured to the upper Yflight of the chain for longitudinal reciprocation therewith.

However, when the compactor blade encounters a pre determined pressure, as when the desired degree of compaction has been given to the material, the coupling 62 lwill slip and permit continued travel of the chain without damage to the latter, and without further movement in the same direction of the compactor blade. ThisY continued movement of the Chain. is permitted by the retation of the sprockets 50, S2 and 48.

i asaaeit When the travel of the chain is reversed, either manuvlally ,by the .operator or by any desired automatic mechanism, it is obvious that -the coupling 62 will be effective to immediately retract the yblade therewith. The blade will then be in readiness for the next compressing or compacting stroke, and will require no adjustment for that purpose. It will thus be seen that each time the blade is caused to slip upon the chain, it will be engaged in a new position thereon, thus distributing possible wear of the chain along the length of the same.

At this point itis to be understood .that in `accordance with conventional practice, the compactor blade '20 is tilted backwardly from its lower Vend to its upper end. This facilitates the introduction of material into the body through the opening 18, upon the forward side of the blade, and as the blade in its longitudinal travel compacts the material within the body, the inclination of the blade will tend to lift the material and thus uniformly pack `the same throughout the vertical height of the body.

It should be observed that by this construction the entire attachment by which the compactor blade is releasably connected to the reciprocating rneans, the upper flight of the cable, is carried by and housed `between the pair of ribs upon the rear surface of the compactor blade in a protected, and convenient and compact manner.

The above described construction may be readily installed in compacting devi-ces or means as originally as sembled in a truck. However, it is also possible to obtain some of the advantages of this invention by pro viding an overload release mechanism which may be installed as an ,attachment .or replacement in existing compacting mechanisms. For this purpose the modified con struction shown in Figure 5 may be employed.

IIn this form, the trailer 10 previously mentioned i's provided having the body 16 together with the power plant V22 having a control means for its power ouput as at 24.

As in the preceding embodiment, the compacting means includes a compactor blade which is similar to the blade 20 except that the notch or slot 56 is omitted. In this arrangement the chain 26 is replaced by a chain 72 which is entrained over the same guide sprockets 28 previously mentioned in the same manner as set forth in connection with the preceding embodiment. However, instead of their being 4continuous as in that embodiment, the chain 72 has its two opposite ends secured to lugs 74 on the front side of the compactor blade at the bottom thereof, whereby the upper flight 76 of the chain will lie closely adjacent to the bottom wall of the truck body. The other end of the chain is secured as by a transverse shaft 78 between a pair of vertical webs 80, similar to the webs 38, this portion of the chain extending through an opening in the forward wall in the same manner as that shown in connection with the chain of Figure l. A driving sprocket 82 is engaged with the chain for imparting reverse rotation thereto from the power plant whereby the upper iiight of the chain will have a reciprocating movement longitudinally of the body. Interposed between the sprocket 82 and the power take-off 24. is an overload release coupling 84 which is of the same character as set forth in connection with the coupling 62,

It will thus be seen that when the compactor blade encounters a predetermined resistance, travel of the blade and of the chain is stopped since Vthe overload release device 84 will slip as 4long as that resistance is encountered. The operation of this form of the invention is identical with that set forth in connection with the preceding embodiment except that instead of the slippage occurring between the compactor blade and the chain, slippage is permitted between the source of power and the driving sprocket of the chain.

Shown., in Figure 6 is a preferred modification which may be employed in either of the two precedingl embQllmlltS 0fv Figures 114. and Figure 5 in order to se cure a mechanical advantage between the brake and chain 62, 26 and 84, 72 respectively. By this arrangement, a smaller brake may be utilized er the load upon the same may be reduced.

In Figure 6, which illustrates the manner of applying this modification te the embodiment of Figures 1-4, the same numerals are employed to identify the unmodied components of construction of Figures 1 4. However, between the webs 38, in lieu of the axle 42 there is jeurnaled and secured a shaft or axle 43 upon which is rotatably journaled a sleeve 45, comprising the hub of a pair of gears 49 and 51. The top flight 30 of the blade drive chain 26 is entrained over the gear 49, in the same manner as for the gear 48 of Figure 3.

However, the magnetic or other type of friction brake 62 is secured rigidly in any suitable manner to one of the Webs 33 above the shaft 43 and is provided with a torque shaft 53 having a gear 65. The latter is disposed in line with the second gear S1 on the lay or countersliaft sleeve 45, as by a sprocket chain 67.

The relative ratios of the gears 49, 51 and 65 will be so selected as to afford the desired mechanical advantage in the braking action of the brake 62 upon the chain 26.

In the preceding description, the invention has been disclosed as applied to a trailer. It is to be understood that the same is considered to be equally applicable to a truck body as well as a trailer body, and the term truck is intended to designate both a truck body and a trailer body.

It is also to be understood that although the invention has been shown as applied to a chain for reciprocating the compacter blade, any other reciprocating element could be employed, it being merely necessary that reciprocatory motion be imparted to the compacter blade and that an overload release connection be provided between the compacter blade and the reciprocating element.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

l. In a refuse truck, a body, a refuse compacting means operatively associated therewith and including a compactor extending transversely of the body and movable longitudinally within the same, reciprocating means disposed longitudinally of said body, connecting means operatively securing the compacter to the reciprocating means for movement therewith whereby the compacter will compress refuse in said body upon movement of the compacter longitudinally thereof in one direction, said connecting means normally securing the compacter to the reciprocating means but operatively disengaging the compacter from the reciprocating means when the compacter encounters a predetermined resistance to its longitudinal movement, said connecting means being mounted upon the compacter.

2. In combination with a truck body, a material comv pacting means operatively associated therewith and including a chain, means supporting the chain ywith one llight thereof disposed longitudinally in said body, means for reciprocating said flight, a compacter extending transversely of the body and within the same, connecting means operatively securing the compacter to the chain for longitudinal reciprocation therewith and responsive to a predetermined resistance to movement of the compacter for operatively disengaging the latter from the chain, said connecting means beingmounted upon the compacter. i

3. ln combination with a truck body, a material compacting means operatively associated therewith and including a chain, means supporting the chain with one flight thereof disposed longitudinally in said body, means for reciprocating said tlight, a compacter extending transversely of the body and within the same, connecting means operatively securing the compacter to the chain for longitudinal reciprocation therewith and responsive to a predetermined resistance to movement of the compacter for operatively disengaging the latter from the chain, said connecting means including a sprocket journaled on said compacter, said flight being continuously engaged with said sprocket, an overload release means operatively associated with said sprocket for normally preventing rotation of the latter.

4. In combination with a truck body, a material compacting means operatively associated therewith and including a chain, means supporting the chain with one flight thereof disposed longitudinally in said body, means for reciprocating said llight, a compacter extending transversely of the body and within the same, connecting means operatively securing the compacter to the chain for longitudinal reciprocatien therewith and responsive to a predetermined resistance to movement of the cornpactor for operatively disengaging the latter from the chain, said connecting means including a sprocket journaled on said compacter, said llight being continuously engaged with said sprocket, an overload release means operatively associated with said sprocket for normally preventing rotation of the latter, said sprocket and said overload release means being mounted upon a common shaft.

5. In combination with a truck body, a material compacting means operatively associated therewith and including a chain, means supporting the chain with one flight thereof disposed longitudinally in said body, means for reciprocating said flight, a compacter extending transversely of the body and within the same, connecting means operatively securing the compacter to the chain for longitudinal reciprocation therewith and responsive to a predetermined resistance to movement of the com pactor for operatively disengaging the latter from the chain, said connecting means including a sprocket journaled on said compacter, said flight being continuously engaged with said sprocket, an overload release means operatively associated with said sprocket for normally preventing rotation of the latter, said sprocket and said overload release means being mounted upon a common shaft, said shaft being carried by said compacter.

6. In a refuse truck, a body, a refuse compacting means operatively associated therewith and including a compacter extending transversely of the body and movable longitudinally within the same, means for causing reciprocation of said compacter longitudinally of said body whereby the compacter will compress refuse in said body upon longitudinal movement in one direction, means carried by said compacter responsive to a predetermined resistance to movement of said compacter in said one direction for relieving said last mentioned means from further increase in load.

7. In combination with a truck body, a material compacting means operatively associated therewith and including a chain, means supporting the chain with one flight thereof disposed longitudinally in said body, means for reciprocating said llight, a compacter extending trans* versely of the body and Within the same, connecting means operatively securing the compacter to the chain for longitudinal reciprocation therewith and responsive to a predetermined resistance to movement of the cornpactor for operatively disengaging the latter from the chain, said connecting means including a sprocket journaled on said compacter, said flight being continuously engaged with said sprocket, an overload release means operatively associated with said sprocket for normally preventing rotation of the latter, said overload release means comprising a magnetic brake, said brake holding Said sprocket rotationally stationary relative to said flight.

8. In a refuse truck, a body, a refuse compacting means operatively associated therewith and including a compactor extending transversely of the body land movable longitudinally within the same, reciprocating means disposed ;longitudinally of said body, connecting means eperatively securing `the compacter to the reciprocating means for movement therewith whereby the .compacter will compress refuse in said body upon movement of the compacter longitudinally thereof in one direction, said connecting means normally securing the compacter to the reciprocating means but operatively disengaging the compacter from the reciprocating means when the compacter encounters a pre-determined resistance to its longitudinal movement, said connecting means including a gear mounted on said compacter and a means connecting said gear to said reciprocating means, a friction brake carried by said compacter and operatively connected to said gear for resisting rotation thereof.

9. In a refuse truck, a body, a refuse compacting means operatively associated therewith and .including a compacter extending transversely of the body and movable longitudinally within the same, reciprocating means disposed longitudinally of said body, connecting means operatively securing the compacter to the reciprocating means for movement therewith whereby the compacter will compress refuse in said body upon movement of the compacter longitudinally thereof in one direction, said connecting means normally securing the compacter to the reciprocating means but operatively disengaging the compactor from the reciprocating means when the compacter encounters a predetermined resistance to its longitudinal movement, said connecting means including a gear mounted on said compacter and a means connecting said gear to said reciprocating means, a friction brake carried by said compacter and operatively connected to said gear for resisting rotation thereof, means producing a mechanical advantage operatively interposed between said brake and said gear.

l0. ln a refuse truck, a body, a refuse compacting means operatively associated therewith and including a compacter extending transversely of the body and movable longitudinally within the same, reciprocating means disposed longitudinally of said body, connecting means operatively securing the compacter to the reciprocating means for movement therewith whereby the compacter will compress refuse in said body upon movement of the compacter longitudinally thereof in one direction, said connecting means normally securing the compacter to the reciprocating means but operatively disengaging the compacter from the reciprocating means when the cornpactor encounters a predetermined resistance to its longitudinal movement, said connecting means including a gear mounted on said compacter and a means connecting said gear to said reciprocating means, a friction brake carried by said compacter and operatively connected to said gear for resisting rotation thereof, means producing a mechanical advantage operatively interposed between said brake and said gear, said last mentioned means comprising a reduction gearing assembly.

l1. In a refuse truck, a body, a refuse compacting means operatively associated therewith and including a compacter extending transversely of the body and movable longitudinally within the same, reciprocatingv means disposed longitudinally of said body, connecting means operatively securing the compacter to the reciprocating means for movement therewith whereby the compacter will compress refuse in said body upon movement of the compacter longitudinally thereof in one direction, said connecting means normally securing the compacter te the reciprocating means but operatively disengaging the compacter from the reciprocating means when the compactor encounters a predetermined resistance to its longitudinal movement, said connecting means including a gear mounted on said compacter and a means connecting said gear .to said reciprocating means, a friction brake carried :by .said compacter and operatively connected to said gear for .resisting 2.rotation thereof, means producing a mechanical advantage operatively interposed between said brake and said gear, said last mentioned means cemprisng a reduction gearing assembly, said assembly including a countershaftcarried by said compacter, a pair of connected gears on `said countershaft, means operatively connecting one `of said pair of .gears to the first mentioned gear and the other of said pair of gears to said brake.

12. In combination with a truck body, a material compacting means operatively associated therewith and including a chain, means supporting the chain with one flight thereof disposed longitudinally in said body, means for reciprocating said flight, a compacter extending transversely of the body and within the same, connecting means operatively securing the compacter to the chain for longitudinal reciprocation therewith and responsive to a predetermined resistance to movement of the compacter for operatively disengaging the latter from the chain, said connecting means including a sprocket journaled on said compacter, said flight being continuously engaged with said sprocket, an overload release means operatively associated with said sprocket for normally preventing rotation of the latter, said overload release means comprising a magnetic brake, said brake holding said sprocket rotationally stationary relative to said flight, means producing a mechanical advantage operatively interposed between said brake and said sprocket.

13. In a refuse truck having a body and a refuse compacter operatively associated therewith, reciprocating means disposed longitudinally of said body and operatively secured to said compacter for imparting reciprocation thereto longitudinally of said body, a source of power including a sprocket operatively connected to said reciprocating means for causing reciprocation thereof, a friction brake, overload release means including said brake operatively interposed between and connecting said source of power and said compacter for disengaging the latter from the reciprocating means when the compacter encounters a predetermined overload.

14. The combination of claim 6 wherein said means for causing reciprocation of said compacter is received through openings in said compacter and is relatively movable therein.

15. ln a refuse truck, a body, a refuse compacting means operatively associated therewith and including a compacter extending transversely of the body and mevable longitudinally within the same, means for causing reciprocation of said compacter longitudinally of said body whereby the compacter will compress refuse in said body uponlongitudinal movement in one direction, means carried by said compacter responsive to a predetermined resistance to movement of said compacter in said one direction for relieving said last mentioned means from further increase in load, said compacter including a space in the lower portion thereof and lying between the front and rear contines of the compacter, said means carried by said compacter being disposed in said space, said compacter having openings from its front and rear into said space, said means for causing reciprocation of said compacter being movably extended through said openings.

References Cited in the rile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,930,486 Pitts Oct. l7, 1933 1,961,587 Hulley et al. June 5, 1934 2,166,846 McCalley l July 18, 1939 2,258,988 Le Laurin Oct. 14, 1941 2,507,583 Wellman May 16, 1950 2,597,514 Nash May 20, 1952 2,696,925 Le Laurin ..-o Dec. 14, 1954 2.726.776 Myers` Dec. 13, i955 

